john kerry sailed through as secretary of state. hillary clinton before that. chuck hagel got through eventually too. that was more surprising to me in some way and shows me how democrats fought over executive nominees earlier in the year but haven't won and the republicans are still sort of pushing that argument and saying we dare you to change the rules and democrats so far, reluctant to do so. i'll be surprised if mel watt ever get appointed to this job. >> the core is breaking down in the u.s. congress. >> what? >> yeah. and that position, you are the regulator for fannie and freddie mac. so -- or fannie mae and freddie mac. there is a question of whether republicans will allow any democratic appointee to fill that role because they like the acting director. now there is a number of bills proposed to reform how those -- how fannie mae and freddie mac are regulated and to abolish them altogether. i'm curious as to whether anyone will really be appointed. >> they have been blocking filling this, so i don't think in this case the usual congressional courtesy r